THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 2 August 2025

[webfact]

Global Luxury Shift: Bangkok Now Top 11 for High-End Living

 

File photo for reference only

 

Bangkok has ascended to 11th place on the list of the world's most expensive cities for luxury living, as revealed by the latest Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report for 2025. The Thai capital's leap up the rankings is largely attributed to the soaring costs of high-end goods, such as luxury footwear and automobiles, highlighting a trend where affluent residents are increasingly indulging in branded, high-quality products.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368479-global-luxury-shift-bangkok-now-top-11-for-high-end-living/

[webfact]

Pattaya Residents Despair as Road Project Hits Year Four

 

Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Pattaya's unfolding drainage and road construction saga is hitting a nerve, as residents of Thepprasit Soi 7 and 9 face a prolonged nightmare with no end in sight. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368480-pattaya-residents-despair-as-road-project-hits-year-four/

[webfact]

Thailand Showcases Damage from Cambodian Attacks to Envoys

 

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

 

In a bid to shed light on recent hostilities, Thailand today hosted foreign envoys and military attachés, providing them with an on-site perspective of the devastation caused by Cambodian forces during a series of deadly clashes. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368482-thailand-showcases-damage-from-cambodian-attacks-to-envoys/

[webfact]

Pattaya Gridlock Sparks Urgent Transport Solutions

 

Photo courtesy of THAIest

 

Pattaya finds itself in the grip of worsening traffic congestion, fuelling frustration among locals and visitors alike. As its outdated transport system crumbles under the pressure, the city, a key tourist destination, is urgently seeking solutions.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368497-pattaya-gridlock-sparks-urgent-transport-solutions/

[Georgealbert]

Father Dies While Searching for Missing 13-Year Daughter
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A crash in Uthai Thani Province has claimed the lives of two men, including a father who was desperately searching for his missing 13-year-old daughter.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368527-father-dies-while-searching-for-missing-13-year-daughter/

 

[Georgealbert]

Korean Tourist Claims Assault & Robbery Attempt in Pattaya
 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded

 

A South Korean tourist has reported a violent assault and attempted robbery in the early hours of the morning of 1 August, in Pattaya. The victim also alleges that the attackers planted illegal substances in an attempt to falsely incriminate him.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368528-korean-tourist-claims-assault-robbery-attempt-in-pattaya/

 

[Georgealbert]

Woman Arrested in Bangkok for Selling Illegal Cigarettes
 

Picture courtesy of SiamNews

 

A 39-year-old woman has been arrested in Din Daeng for allegedly distributing untaxed foreign cigarettes within her community, with many of her customers reportedly being minors and teenagers.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368530-woman-arrested-in-bangkok-for-selling-illegal-cigarettes/

 

[Georgealbert]

Royal Thai Police Open Applications for 7,550 New Positions

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

The Royal Thai Police has officially opened applications for one of its largest police recruitment drives in recent years, offering a total of 7,550 vacancies across multiple regions and units. The positions are open to candidates holding a Mathayom 6 or vocational certificate (Por Wor Chor) qualification.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368531-royal-thai-police-open-applications-for-7550-new-positions/

 

[webfact]

Ex-Abbot Vanishes Amid 28 Million Baht Embezzlement Scandal

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

BANGKOK - The former abbot of a prominent Pathum Thani temple has mysteriously vanished overnight, following shocking allegations of embezzling nearly 30 million baht from the temple's coffers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368532-ex-abbot-vanishes-amid-28-million-baht-embezzlement-scandal/

 

[Georgealbert]

Drug Duo Nabbed in Rayong Bust: Ice & Meth Seized
 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

Authorities in Pluak Daeng District have arrested two drug dealers, seizing a large quantity of methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine (ice) worth millions of baht in a coordinated raid.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368533-drug-duo-nabbed-in-rayong-bust-ice-meth-seized/

 

[Georgealbert]

Over 40 Arrested as Police Raid Gambling Dens in Bangkok
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

More than 40 people have been arrested in two separate police raids on illegal gambling operations in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district, following complaints from local residents.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368534-over-40-arrested-as-police-raid-gambling-dens-in-bangkok/

 

[webfact]

Vietnam Envoy Praises Phuket, Seeks Cooperation

 

Picture courtesy of The Phuket News

 

In a strategic move to enhance tourism and trade links, Vietnam's Ambassador to Thailand, Pham Viet Hung, met with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat in a high-profile visit yesterday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368535-vietnam-envoy-praises-phuket-seeks-cooperation/

 

[Georgealbert]

Pick-Up Truck Crashes into School Transport Vehicle

 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna.

 

A road crash occurred in Roi Et Province when a pick-up truck collided with a school transport vehicle, injuring eight school children.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368536-pick-up-truck-crashes-into-school-transport-vehicle/

 

[Georgealbert]

CIB Hosts Indonesian Police Delegation for Study Visit
 

Picture courtesy of CIB

 

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) welcomed a delegation from the Indonesian National Police for an official study visit aimed at strengthening transnational cooperation and knowledge exchange in law enforcement.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368537-cib-hosts-indonesian-police-delegation-for-study-visit/

 

[Georgealbert]

Patong Stages Annual Tsunami Evacuation Drill
 

Picture courtesy of Phuket Express.

 

A large-scale tsunami evacuation drill was conducted in Patong on the 29th July, as part of the city’s continued efforts to safeguard both residents and tourists against the threat of natural disasters.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368539-patong-stages-annual-tsunami-evacuation-drill/

 

[Georgealbert]

E-Cigarettes Worth Over 5 Million Baht Seized in Songkhla
 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded

 

Customs officers at the Padang Besar checkpoint in Songkhla Province have seized a large consignment of illegal e-cigarettes and related products with an estimated street value of over 5.2 million baht.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368540-e-cigarettes-worth-over-5-million-baht-seized-in-songkhla/

 

[Georgealbert]

House Panel Demands Clarity in Money Laundering Case
 

Picture courtesy of SiamRath.

 

The House Committee on Anti-Money Laundering and Narcotics has intensified its scrutiny into a high-profile case involving alleged financial crimes linked to online gambling, amid growing public concern over inconsistent legal outcomes.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368541-house-panel-demands-clarity-in-money-laundering-case/

 

[Georgealbert]

Village Head Accuses Chief of Tree-Felling Corruption
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A village headman in Krabi has filed a formal complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), accusing a local government leader of unlawfully authorising the felling and sale of trees on public land.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368542-village-head-accuses-chief-of-tree-felling-corruption/

 

[Georgealbert]

Abbot & 2 Monks Defrocked After Testing Positive for Drugs
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Three Buddhist monks, including the abbot of a temple in Non Sang district, Nong Bua Lamphu, have been defrocked after testing positive for illegal drugs. The case came to light following complaints from local residents who raised concerns about suspicious activities at the temple.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368543-abbot-2-monks-defrocked-after-testing-positive-for-drugs/

 

[Georgealbert]

Woman Duped by Younger Man Who Stole Cash & Gold

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

A 41-year-old woman from Chonburi has issued a public warning to other women after falling victim to a younger man who charmed his way into her life, only to flee with gold and cash.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368544-woman-duped-by-younger-man-who-stole-cash-gold/

 

[Georgealbert]

Sa Kaeo Launches Health Screening for Public Drivers

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

Authorities in Sa Kaeo Province have launched a health screening initiative aimed at assessing the physical and mental fitness of public transport drivers, in an effort to improve road safety and reduce the risk of health-related incidents.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368545-sa-kaeo-launches-health-screening-for-public-drivers/

 

[Georgealbert]

Man Shoots Bedridden Mom While Aiming at Drug-Addict Son
 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

In a shocking domestic incident in Udon Thani’s Nong Wua So District, a 61-year-old man attempting to shoot his drug-addicted son accidentally injured his elderly bedridden mother instead, police have confirmed.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368546-man-shoots-bedridden-mom-while-aiming-at-drug-addict-son/

 

[Georgealbert]

Governor Gets 2,000 Flags to Boost Pedestrian Safety
 

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

In a move to enhance road safety, particularly for schoolchildren and pedestrians, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has accepted the donation of 2,000 red pedestrian crossing flags from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368547-governor-gets-2000-flags-to-boost-pedestrian-safety/

 

[Georgealbert]

Police Committee Probes Aircraft Crashes That Killed 9
 

File picture for reference only.

 

The House of Representatives’ Police Commission convened on 1 August, to address two fatal aircraft crahes involving Royal Thai Police aircraft that occurred within a 30-day period, resulting in the deaths of nine officers. The incidents have raised serious concerns about inadequate maintenance budgets and insufficient pilot training.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368548-police-committee-probes-aircraft-crashes-that-killed-9/

 

[Georgealbert]

Police Arrest 3rd Vietnamese iPhone Loan Shark Gang
 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Immigration police have arrested five Vietnamese nationals involved in an illegal loan shark operation in Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani, marking the third bust of its kind in as many months.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368549-police-arrest-3rd-vietnamese-iphone-loan-shark-gang/

 

[webfact]

Unity Front Rallies to Defend Thai Sovereignty Peacefully

 

Picture courtesy of Siam Rath

 

Bangkok braces for a major demonstration as the Unity Front to Protect Sovereignty rallies citizens at Victory Monument on August 2. The group’s leaders, including Phichit Chaimongkol, Kaewsun Atibodhi, Jatuporn Prompan, and Somchai Sawangkan, held a press conference yesterday at Rattanakosin Hotel to announce their plans.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368551-unity-front-rallies-to-defend-thai-sovereignty-peacefully/

[webfact]

Gripen Fighter Jet Deal Still Alive, Says Thai Air Force

 

File photo courtesy of MGR online

 

The Thai Air Force has firmly refuted allegations that Sweden has halted the sale of Saab JAS 39 Gripen jets. This follows reports claiming the suspension was linked to their usage against Cambodian forces at the border.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368523-gripen-fighter-jet-deal-still-alive-says-thai-air-force/

[webfact]

British Expat’s Roast Hunt in Thailand Goes Viral

 

Screenshots from @awaywithjuliaa TikTok video

 

Homesickness strikes on Sundays without a roast, but one British expat in Thailand has found solace in a surprising locale. Julia, a TikTok creator known as @awaywithjuliaa, has captured UK expats' hearts with a viral video showcasing her quest for authentic British fare abroad.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1368521-british-expat’s-roast-hunt-in-thailand-goes-viral/

[Georgealbert]

Deadly Street Race: 2 Killed, 3 Critically Injured

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A high-speed motorcycle race involving over a hundred riders ended in disaster early morning on 2 August, leaving two young men dead and three others seriously injured in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368565-deadly-street-race-2-killed-3-critically-injured/

 

[Georgealbert]

Army Ordered to Shoot Down Unauthorised Drones

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin.

 

The Royal Thai Army has been authorised to shoot down unidentified and unauthorised drones immediately, as part of escalated national defence measures following increased surveillance activity near sensitive military sites.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368570-army-ordered-to-shoot-down-unauthorised-drones/